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Wish you had a shorter workday? Here’s why that’s a bad idea

There’s nothing like a bank holiday to make you wish you worked less, and productivity researchers are starting to agree. But reduced hours might add to your stress

The jury’s out on how much is best

AFP/Getty Images

THERE’S nothing quite like a three-day weekend to get us pondering the benefits of working less. What if every working week had four days? You’d get more sleep, more time with your family and friends or just to yourself: what’s not to love?

Working stiffs aren’t the only ones asking the question. A high-level conversation has gathered pace in recent years about how long we should be working. Advocates of shortening the standard 8-hour day have long argued that doing so could lead to happier, healthier and maybe even more productive lives. …

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